International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action

Apr 4, 2014

Colombia has one of the highest percentages of trained female deminers. Photo: HALO Trust/UNDP

The vision of the United Nations is a world free of the threat of landmines and explosive remnants of war, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development and where the needs of victims are met. Today, on International Mine Awareness Day, take a look at some of UNDP's efforts to achieve that vision.

"It is often said that women hold up half the sky. This year on the International Day of Mine Awareness and Assistance, we focus on the important role of women in safeguarding the earth." - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

"Decades of support to mine affected countries by UNDP and many other actors is resulting in making countries safer, and that is bringing direct benefits for poverty reduction too." - UNDP Administrator Helen Clark